For Immediate Release: 22 March 2011
Contact: Joyce Gomes goyce.gomes@telus.net
Vancouver Animal Rescue Society www.vars.byteland.org
Introduction: My name is Joyce Gomes. I have lived in Burnaby for about forty years. After 37 years with federal civil service recently retired. I am originally from Guyana in South America which I left with my family as a young child. For a number of years now I have been involved in animal welfare and rescue, primarily in Guyana.
What VARS is doing? I started a nonprofit society, Vancouver Animal Rescue Society (VARS) www.vars.byteland.org We are in the organizational phase and hope to obtain a tax exempt status. Currently I am collecting veterinary and nonprescription medical supplies, pet accessories, and pet food from various sources. I ship these to Guyana and Trinidad and occasionally wire transfer cash to an animal activist to pay for having animal spayed, neutered and treated.
Why VARS was started? When I visited Guyana six years ago it was appalling to see the abuse and suffering so many abandoned and neglected animals endure every day on the streets in Guyana. The animals were suffering from malnutrition, infestation of fleas, tick, mange and other infectious diseases some of which can be transmitted to humans. Dogs are often observed with traumatic injuries including broken legs, hips, or other traumatic injuries. There are packs of dogs wandering about the cities not being tended to, fed or cared for; often they may become injured or diseased and may be left to die from their injuries.
What types of things VARS sends abroad? I can send any used equipment such as surgical tables, ECG machines; medical supplies such as sterile gloves, sutures, surgical tools and nonprescription medications. Needed items include: dog & cat food, leashes and collars, shampoos, eye, ear and dental care items, wormers, vaccines, multivitamins, flea and tick control items (sprays and collars) dog crates etc.
Where does VARS get items from? Donations may be made by the general publis. We have received items from the Wildlife Rescue, various animal shelters in the lower mainland, and medical supply companies. People may also make a purchase through Foster and Smith as a donation by calling 1-800-826-7206 or going to DrsFosterSmith.com. If you are arranging a donation, please contact joyce.gomes@telus.net for address where items may be shipped.
Who does VARS send them to? The supplies are shipped to Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. In T&T, a veterinarian named Dr. Raymond Deonanan has established a charitable organization in order to provide free veterinarian services in the poor rural areas of Trinidad and Tobago. Dr. Deonanan also travels to Guyana two-three times a year to provide free vet services (largely spay and neutering). In Guyana, I ship the medical supplies to Dr. Mark Pierre in order for him to provide low cost or free vet services as possible. The non-medical supplies are shipped to an animal activist, Syeada Manbodh, who distributes them to poor animal owners; she also feeds and tends to strays on the streets and rescues animals.
Why is there no help for animals in Guyana and Trinidad? Guyana is a very poor country, one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. Consequently, with a myriad of other social issues, animal welfare is a low priority. Horses and donkeys are still used as dray animals. These animals suffer from over use, over loading, neglect and abuse. Dogs are commonly physically abused by beatings, having scalding liquids thrown on them, etc. There is an SPCA in Guyana but they are under funded and under staffed and simply do not have the resources to deal with the magnitude of the problem; hence, they have stated that their mandate does not include dealing with stray dogs and cats and the subsequent issues. The various levels of government seem to be unable or unwilling to take the issue in hand because Guyana is a poor country and simply lacks the resources to deal with animal welfare issues.
Do you need anything from the community? People may volunteer by contacting joyce.gomes@telus.net. Please visit the VARS website at www.vars.byteland.org for complete information.. I hope to get new members to form committees to help do all the work of a nonprofit organization over time. The task at hand is really enormous and represents a great challenge for anyone who loves animals and wants to help save the lives of homeless animals.
***END***